Eph 2:10 says that we are God’s “handiwork” (or masterpiece or workmanship). God is shaping us, as a potter shapes clay. How is he shaping us? Into what? And for what purpose? And… how does Faith participate in this shaping for all in our congregation? Jesus’ parable illustrates how God as Loving Father shapes both sons by word and action; the familiar parable also indicates how Jesus shapes his disciples and his opponents with his stories.